First Time Discovering These Beautiful Places in Ningbo

### 🌿 **Hidden Gems**
1. **Siming Lake Metasequoia Forest** (Yuyao)
- Most beautiful in autumn and winter when the metasequoia trees turn rusty red, reflecting in the lake like an oil painting. Especially dreamy when morning mist surrounds the area.
2. **Yushan Islands** (Xiangshan)
- Known as the "Little Maldives," with extremely clear water. During blue tears season (May-June), the beach glows fluorescent blue at night, perfect for camping and stargazing.
3. **Luting Zhongcun Village** (Yuyao)
- A thousand-year-old village where Baiyun Bridge spans across Xiaolu Stream. The stone steps, ancient trees, and flowing water in the morning mist resemble a scene from a traditional Chinese landscape poem.

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### 🏞 **Healing Nature**
- **Xufuyan Buyun Valley** (Fenghua Xikou)
- Waterfalls cascade down cliffs, with glass walkways spanning the gorge. After rain, you can witness the spectacular sight of rainbows through the waterfall.
- **Eastern Zhejiang Bamboo Sea** (Yinzhou)
- Undulating bamboo forests swaying in the wind, ideal for hiking or cycling, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

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### 🏮 **Cultural Atmosphere**
- **Qiantong Ancient Town** (Ninghai)
- A Ming and Qing dynasty town untouched by commercialization, featuring cobblestone paths, an octagonal water system, and authentic local life—more peaceful than Wuzhen.
- **Minghe Ancient Town** (Cixi)
- Built along Baiyang Lake, with ancient temples bathed in evening sunlight. Must-try local snacks include rice cake dumplings and "mouse sugar balls."

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### 🌊 **Lesser-Known Coastlines**
- **Hengshan Island** (Qiangxiao Town, Ninghai)
- Known as "Little Phuket," just a 10-minute boat ride away. The densely forested island features a coastal boardwalk offering panoramic views of the blue sea.
- **Hua'ao Island** (Gaotang Island Township, Xiangshan)
- Stone forest landscape formed by volcanic rock. At low tide, the black stone beach resembles an alien landscape, perfect for geology enthusiasts.